I used to pride myself at gift giving in general; my motto was first this: Find something weird that they can undeniably only have gotten from you. I would give neon-colored stone pyramids and figurines that would silently raise a question for a receiver: Is it a grimacing or a smiling gargoyle? I likely did everyone I know a solid on their next white elephant gift exchange.

As I grew older, I morphed into enjoying the giving, and focusing on the giver of experiences over things. I’d be on the lookout for stray comments that would make The Perfect Gift. Mention the need for socks? You’d get the most trendy or technologically advanced socks for your age. Need a new mug? Well, now you have the most unique mug that sits comfortably in your hands and which will become your favorite weekend mug. Were we undecided on what to get the niece? Let’s get her the biggest horse doll Target has and enjoy the squeals of delight and your momentary ranking at best tia.

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Cassie McClure(Photo: Josh Bachman/Sun-News, )

But after years of giving gifts, it gets harder to buy things and even buying for experiences didn’t work as intended. One Christmas, I splurged and gave my husband a course on how to ride a motorcycle after he had spoken somewhat wistfully about wanting to learn how to ride a motorcycle, and not just on my scooter — because that just wasn’t real enough as a two-tire experience. I gave him the same course I had taken, and had the certificate put in a branded box. I hummed with excitement for weeks, and yet when he opened it, he blanched and thanked me, but wasn’t overcome with excitement. He did take the course and ended up buying a small entry-level motorcycle. However, that motorcycle was ultimately sold to his brother, who is now a regular rider in an established motorcycle club. That was an unintended result which my mother-in-law may not be jokingly blaming me for.

Thankfully, shopping for kids has been more straightforward. It’s easier to be a gift giver to them, a somewhat svelter and female Santa only needing to know about the trends. Are Hatchimals still in? Can I regift an old Furby? Dear Santa and all his elves, please say yes: Did my child grow out of the Pepto pink phase yet?

But almost better than the gifting itself has been the experience of making magic on the spot. We’re not just making cookies; it’s a trial run for Santa’s exacting cookie standard. Hear a radio ad about reindeers and carrots? Explain how carrots give the magical ability to fly for one night of the year.

And, it’s a gift to be the sage of the season who can answer worrisome questions like, “What does Santa do if we don’t have a chimney?” with a reply of, “Well, he’s also okay with using our back door and letting the reindeer roam around in the backyard to stretch their legs.”

Cassie McClure is a writer, wife/Mama/daughter, fan of the Oxford comma, and drinker of tequila. Some of those things relate. She can be contacted at cassie@mcclurepublications.com